Teaching your kids English when they are still young enables them to grasp the basics in their childhood, and expand their vocabulary in their teenage life. By the time, they get to adulthood, their fluency in English will be indiscernible from that of a native English speaker. One of the daunting decisions, however, that you will have to make is choosing the right English school for your kids. You will need to assess a couple of factors and weigh which of them is more important. Which factors should you take into consideration when selecting an English school for your kids?
1. Overall Cost
Before selecting an English language school, review the tuition cost. Check whether there is any additional cost incurred over time. Some schools charge an enrollment fee or extra fee for termly or annual trips. What you should aim for is an overall cost that will be sustainable in the long term. You can ask the school to provide full disclosure of payable costs. Try, however, not to base cost as your determining factor. You might find a school that is a tad more expensive, having more to offer compared to others within your scope.
2. Location of the School
Assessment of location will depend on the teaching hours of the English school. While some might prefer having short daily sessions, others might opt for longer weekend ones. Focus more on finding a school located closer to your home when the teaching sessions are frequent. Selecting a school that is near your home will be an advantage because you will not have to endure the long commutes of dropping your kids to the school before heading off to work. English schools in distant or remote locations may, however, offer transportation, which will, of course, be an advantage but they might charge a transportation fee, which adds on to the overall cost.
3. School’s Teaching Style
Groundwork on children development confirmed that kids understand better when exposed to fun activities that they enjoy as opposed to content and material studying. It would be wise to have your kid learn through an interactive basis. Some elements to address when assessing the teaching style are:
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Class Size
A smaller class number ensures that each kid has longer interpersonal interaction time with the teacher, which subsequently improves his or her learning ability.
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Presence of Story or Game Sessions
As mentioned earlier, interactive sessions, for instance, games or stories relative to English will enable kids to understand better.
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Teaching equipment
The equipment in the classroom ought to be child-friendly. Visit the school and judge the teaching equipment available. Are there kid toys present? Is furniture child-appropriate?
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English Only Policy
The English school ought to have a policy that encourages, not forces, students to speak in English. Students need to relate what they learn to the outside environment for better comprehension. Having school notice instruction spelled out in simple English is one way to encourage kids to speak in English.
4. School Ethos
A school ethos is the culture and values that a school holds at heart. The teaching of good mannerisms, communication, and socialization skills are just as necessary to a child as teaching English. Go for a school that embraces the values and culture you would want your child to partake. If you want him or her to be acquainted with technology, select a school that utilizes technology, for instance, employing apps for students in its teaching curriculum. Still, in this context, choose an English school that embraces the religious beliefs you would want your kids to abide.
5. Teaching Schedule
Learning English as a second language is a demanding process that would call for a lot of commitment. While everyday learning enables students to understand better, children have a shorter concentration span compared to adults. They comprehend better when teaching sessions are brief and exciting. You should enquire about the study hours and assess their effectiveness in enabling kids to learn and understand English.
6. Qualification of Teachers
As you search diligently for a school, go a step further to enquire about the teacher’s qualification. You can ask the school to show you the achievements of its staff. Consult parents, or even better, ask students what they think of their English teachers and how they perceive the teaching style. Having a teacher who has experience in dealing with kids is a good sign. You will have hit the jackpot if you find a teacher who not only has the experience but also is passionate and motivated about teaching and mentoring kids. Next to parents and siblings, teachers spend a substantial amount of time with kids. They can inspire or break them.
7. Your Kid’s Needs
This factor outweighs all others. The English school you select for your kids should harmonize with their needs. You can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your kids then choose a school that has programs or activities that will nourish their strengths and encourage them to work on their weaknesses. Go a notch higher to take your kids to the English school and see how they perceive it. Do the wall colors enlighten them? Does he or she make any new friends on the visit? Positive feedback signals a likelihood that your kids will enjoy learning in this new environment.
Closing Remarks
Simon Sinek once said, “There is no decision that we can make that doesn’t come with some sort of balance or sacrifice.” Do not be afraid to make those little sacrifices for the betterment of your kids. More importantly, trust your gut. Your gut feeling on something is often right most times. Moreover, EFL Chiang Mai has an English playground course for kids aged four to eight years through which they learn English through imaginative, interactive, and exciting activities. The school’s devotion, experience, and excellence in teaching English have seen it recognized and awarded two international certifications from the United Kingdom.
